Multiple beam path particle source

ABSTRACT

An improved particle beam treatment system optionally includes exchangeable particle beam nozzles. These particle beam nozzles may be automatically moved from a storage location to a particle beam path or between particle beam paths for use in medical applications. Movement may be achieved using a conveyance, gantry, rail system, or the like. The improved particle beam treatment system optionally also includes more than two alternative particle beam paths. These alternative particle beam paths may be directed to a patient from a variety of different angles and in different planes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is in the field of particle sources and more specificallyin the field of particle sources configured for medical applications.

2. Related Art

It has been shown that high-energy particles can be advantageously usedfor medical treatment of cancer. These high-energy particles typicallyhave energies greater than 20 MeV (million electron volts). For example,protons with energies between 70 MeV and 250 MeV can be used to depositenergy at a very precise depth within a human body.

High-energy protons are generated in a particle accelerator anddelivered to a patient at a treatment station. A typical treatmentstation includes an adjustable gurney or chair configured to positionthe patient relative to a fixed proton beam. In some instances, theoutput of the particle accelerator is directed through two alternativepaths using particle transport optics such as magnets and electricfields. For example, in one instance a first set of particle transportoptics is used to direct protons from above a patient and a second setof particle transport optics is used to direct protons toward thepatient from the side at an angle 90 degrees from the first set ofparticle transport optics. One limitation of this arrangement is thateach separate path requires a separate set of expensive particletransport optics and a separate particle beam nozzle.

During a treatment the depth of proton penetration and the position ofthe proton beam may be varied in order to treat a three dimensionalvolume within a patient. Depth control is achieved by varying the energyof the protons. This variation can be achieved by passing the protonsthrough varying lengths of an energy adsorbing material or by using aparticle source capable of generating particles at selectable energies.The proton beam may be applied over an area perpendicular to the depthdimension by either scanning or scattering the proton beam. Scatteringor energy variation of the proton beam is optionally performed in morethan one stage. For example, a first scattering step may be applied asthe protons leave the particle accelerator and a second scattering stepmay be applied after the protons pass through final beam steeringelements. Two steps are required when the final beam steering elementscannot handle a desired final spatial or energetic distribution.

A path through which particles are transported typically includes aproton nozzle. Proton nozzles can be designed for special purposes, forexample, double scattering nozzles, single scattering nozzles, scanningnozzles, and other specialized nozzles known in the art. Differentmedical treatments require the use of different proton nozzles eachweighing one thousand or more pounds and costing hundreds of thousandsof dollars. Changing nozzles is a time consuming and labor intensiveprocess that limits the flexibility of treatments particularly betweensuccessive patients and causes system downtime.

For the various reasons discussed above, and additional reasons, thereis a need for improved sources of high-energy particles.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments include a particle source coupled to three or morealternative beam paths. These alternative beam paths are configured todirect protons or other nuclei toward a patient from a variety ofdifferent directions. These different directions may be significantlygreater than or less than 90 degrees apart and may be disposed indifferent planes.

Some embodiments include automated systems and methods of changingparticle beam nozzles in a particle beam path and/or changing particlebeam nozzles between particle beam paths. For example, variousembodiments include a rail system configured to move particle beamnozzles from a first particle beam path to a second particle beam path,from a storage location to a particle beam path, and/or from a firsttreatment station to a second treatment station.

Particle beam nozzles can be moved into position relative to a particlebeam path automatically during a treatment session that includes morethan one separate particle dosing of a single patient. Thus, a patientcan be treated using more than one type of nozzle during a singletreatment session. Further, the same nozzle can be used in more than oneparticle beam path during the same treatment session.

Although examples discussed herein are related to proton beams, theillustrated embodiments can be applied to other particle beams such asHelium and Carbon beams, etc.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient, a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam, and three or more particle beam pathsthrough which the particle beam can be delivered to the patient at thetreatment station, the three or more particle beam paths including atleast two particle beam paths significantly greater than 90 degreesapart.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient, a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam for treatment of the patient, and three ormore particle beam paths through which the particle beam can bedelivered to the patient at the treatment station, the three or moreparticle beam paths configured such that a first particle beam path islocated outside of a plane including a second particle beam path and athird particle beam path.

Various embodiments include a method of treating a patient, the methodcomprising generating a particle beam of high-energy particles,directing the particle beam of high-energy particles along a first beampath, treating the patient using the particle beam of high-energyparticles directed along the first particle beam path, selecting asecond particle beam path from among a plurality of alternative particlebeam paths different from the first particle beam path, at least one ofthe plurality of alternative particle beam paths being disposed in partbeneath the patient or the first particle beam path laying outside of aplane defined by two of the plurality of alternative particle beampaths, and directing the particle beam of high-energy particles alongthe second particle beam path.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a first treatmentstation for particle beam treatment of a patient, a particle acceleratorconfigured to generate a particle beam, a first particle beam path alongwhich the particle beam can be delivered to the patient, a secondparticle beam path along which the particle beam can be delivered to thepatient, a particle beam nozzle configured to modify the particle beam,and a transport system configured to automatically move the particlebeam nozzle from the first particle beam path to the second particlebeam path.

Various embodiments include a method comprising generating a firstparticle beam of high-energy particles, directing the first particlebeam of high-energy particles along a first particle beam path havingfirst particle beam transport optics, modifying the first particle beamof high-energy particles using a particle beam nozzle, treating a firstpatient using the first particle beam of high-energy particles modifiedusing the particle beam nozzle, selecting a second particle beam pathhaving second particle beam transport optics, moving the particle beamnozzle from the first particle beam path to the second particle beampath under control of a processing unit, generating a second particlebeam of high-energy particles, directing the second particle beam ofhigh-energy particles along the second particle beam path, modifying thesecond particle beam of high energy particles using the particle beamnozzle, and treating the first patient or a second patient using thesecond particle beam of high-energy particles modified using theparticle beam nozzle.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient, a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam, a first particle beam path through whichthe particle beam can be delivered to the patient, and a transportsystem configured to automatically move a first of a plurality ofdifferent particle beam nozzles to the first particle beam path, and toseparately move at least a second of the plurality of different particlebeam nozzles to the first particle beam path.

Various embodiments include a method comprising generating a firstparticle beam of high-energy particles, directing the first particlebeam of high-energy particles along a particle beam path, modifying thefirst particle beam of high-energy particles using a first particle beamnozzle, treating a first patient using the first particle beam ofhigh-energy particles modified using the first particle beam nozzle,exchanging the first particle beam nozzle for a second particle beamnozzle under control of a processing unit, generating a second particlebeam of high-energy particles, directing the second particle beam ofhigh-energy particles along the particle beam path, modifying the secondparticle beam of high energy particles using the second particle beamnozzle, and treating the first patient or a second patient using thesecond particle beam of high-energy particles modified using the secondparticle beam nozzle.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a first particle beamnozzle configured for use in a first treatment type, a second particlebeam nozzle configured for use in a second treatment type, a transportsystem configured to alternatively position under control of aprocessing unit the first particle beam nozzle and the second particlebeam nozzle between a particle accelerator and a treatment station.

Various embodiments include a particle beam nozzle comprising, a mountconfigured to alternatively hold the particle beam nozzle along each ofa plurality of alternative particle beam paths, a positioner configuredto automatically position the particle beam nozzle relative to atreatment station or one of the plurality of alternative particle beampaths, and an energy modifier configured to vary an energy ofhigh-energy particles within each of the plurality of alternativeparticle beam paths.

Various embodiments include a particle beam nozzle comprising aconveyance configured to automatically move the particle beam nozzle toa first particle beam path, a coupler configured to hold the particlebeam nozzle relative to the first particle beam path, and a beam scannerconfigured to scan a particle beam of high-energy particles from thefirst particle beam path.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient, a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam, and three or more particle beam pathsthrough which the particle beam can be delivered to the patient at thetreatment station.

Various embodiments include a system comprising a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient, a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam, and a first particle beam path configuredto deliver the particle beam to the patient from beneath the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-beam path treatment system,according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a layout of the treatment system of FIG. 1, accordingto various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative physical layout of the treatmentsystem of FIG. 1, according to various embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative physical layout of the treatmentsystem of FIG. 1 including a rail system, according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative physical layout of the treatmentsystem of FIG. 1 including a plurality of treatment stations, accordingto various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a particle beam nozzle, according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aplurality of alternative particle beam paths, according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aparticle beam nozzle configured to be moved between alternative particlebeam paths, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aparticle beam path configured to receive a plurality of alternativeparticle beam nozzles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments include three or more alternative particle beam pathsthrough which a particle beam can be delivered to a particular treatmentstation. At least part of each particle beam path typically includes aseparate set of particle transport optics such as magnets or electricfields. The three or more particle beam paths may lie in a single planeor in two or more different planes. The three or more particle beampaths may also be configured to arrive at the treatment station at avariety of different angular separations.

In some embodiments, the complexity of having multiple particle beampaths is reduced by the inclusion of particle beam nozzles that can bemoved from one particle beam path to another automatically, e.g., undercontrol of a processing unit or under the control of a device configuredto operate without human intervention. For example, a particularparticle beam nozzle may be moved from a first particle beam path to asecond particle beam path. This can reduce the number of particle beamnozzles required to support the multiple particle beam paths and thusreduce costs.

The movable particle beam nozzles also allow exchange of particle beamnozzles in a particular particle beam path, which exchange may beautomated. For example, in some embodiments, a particle beam nozzlepreferred for one type of treatment can easily and quickly be exchangedfor a particle beam nozzle preferred for another type of treatment. Bymaking this exchange under control of a processing unit, e.g., under thecontrol of a processor, microprocessor, computer, electronic circuit,electronic controller, and/or the like, with or without software runningthereon, the exchange can be performed with minimized downtime and evenduring a treatment session of a particular patient. As is describedfurther herein, example mechanisms used to transport particle beamnozzles may include support, coupling and positioning elements, as wellas a rail system, conveyance, gantry, carrier, belt, carrier, carriage,and/or the like. These mechanisms are typically automated, e.g., some orall of their operations are performed without the need for humanintervention. Normally, automated mechanisms operate under the controlof a processing unit. The processing unit may include logic configuredfor selecting a specific particle beam nozzle, selecting a specificparticle beam path, controlling movement of the particle beam nozzle,positioning the particle beam nozzle, responding to an interlock,opening or closing a shutter, responding to a collision avoidanceparameter, receiving data from a treatment plan, accessing a databaseincluding patient information, and/or the like. In various embodiments,the mechanisms used to transport particle beam nozzles are configured tomove a particle beam nozzle between particle beam paths or exchangeparticle beam nozzles at a particle beam path in less than 24 hours, 12hours, 6 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or5 minutes. Various embodiments include the use of movable particle beamnozzles at treatment stations having one, two, three or more particlebeam paths. Automated mechanisms for manipulating particle beam nozzlesmay be contrasted with manual approaches in which changing of a nozzlecould take hours or days, and result in system shutdown over an extendedperiod.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-beam path Treatment System 100,according to various embodiments. Treatment System 100 includes at leasta Particle Accelerator 110, a First Beam Path 120A, a First Nozzle 130A,and a Treatment Station 140. In various embodiments, Treatment System100 includes further particle beam paths, such as a Second Beam Path120B and a Third Beam Path 120C, and/or additional particle beamnozzles, such as a Second Nozzle 130B and a Third Nozzle 130C. FirstNozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and Third Nozzle 130C are optionallymovable using a Transport System 150 and/or stored in a Nozzle Storage160.

Particle Accelerator 110 is a source of high-energy particles such asprotons, Helium, Carbon, Neon, Argon, and/or some other stable orunstable elemental particle. For example Particle Accelerator 110 caninclude a cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or any otherdevice configured to accelerate particles. In various embodiments, theseparticles have energy greater than 20, 50, 70, 100, 250 or 500 MeV/u(MeV per nucleon). For example, in one embodiment Particle Accelerator110 is configured to generate protons with energies between 70 and 250MeV. These protons are generated in a particle beam having across-section as small as 1.0 millimeter (mm), and a kinetic energydistribution as narrow as 1%, 2%, 5%, 20% or 50% of the average particleenergy. Such small cross-sections and narrow energy distributions areuseful when the particle beam is to be turned or focused. For example,if magnets are used to turn the particle beam, a specific set of magnetswill result in a turning radius that is a function of the kineticenergy, particle beams having greater kinetic energy distributions beingmore difficult to turn without particle loss. However, as discussedfurther herein, a greater kinetic energy distribution may be desirablewhen using the particle beam for medical treatment. Therefore, ParticleAccelerator 110 optionally includes an energy broadener (e.g., rangeshifter) and/or a particle beam defocuser (e.g., scatterer) configuredto vary the kinetic energy or increase the cross-section of the particlebeam, respectively. Such particle beam broadeners and defocusers areknown in the art.

First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B and Third Beam Path 120C areeach particle beam paths through which the particle beam generated usingParticle Accelerator 110 may travel to reach an intersection zone atTreatment Station 140. First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B andThird Beam Path 120C may each have separate particle beam transportoptics. The intersection zone is a zone in which a patient may be placedfor treatment and may be a point, area or volume. As is describedfurther herein, First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B and ThirdBeam Path 120C may be configured to direct the particle beam to theintersection zone from a variety of different directions and at avariety of different angles. In some embodiments, these differentdirections and angles advantageously add flexibility to the treatment ofa patient at Treatment Station 140. Each of First Beam Path 120A, SecondBeam Path 120B and Third Beam Path 120C can include a variety ofsteering magnets, collimating elements, or the like. In someembodiments, each of First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B andThird Beam Path 120C each include an interface configured to couple withFirst Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle 130C.

First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and Third Nozzle 130C areconfigured to be disposed along First Beam Path 120, Second Beam Path120B and/or Third Beam Path 120C. In some embodiments, First Nozzle130A, Second Nozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle 130C are each configured tobe moved from along one particle beam path to along another particlebeam path using Transport System 150. For example, Second Nozzle 130Bmay be moved from along Second Beam Path 120B to along Third Beam Path120C using Transport System 150. Alternatively, Second Nozzle 130B maybe exchanged for First Nozzle 130A along First Beam Path 120A usingTransport System 150. Thus, the particle beam nozzles can be movedbetween particle beam paths and/or a single particle beam path mayreceive different particle beam nozzles.

First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and Third Nozzle 130C areconfigured to modify the particle beam generated using ParticleAccelerator 110, optionally in different ways. These modifications caninclude, for example, scattering, kinetic energy variation, and/orscanning the particle beam. Different particle beam nozzles may beconfigured to broaden the kinetic energy distribution or otherwise varythe kinetic energy by different amounts and, thus, control a volumewithin a patient in which treatment is directed. In various embodiments,First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and Third Nozzle 130C includedouble scattering nozzles, single scattering nozzles, scanning nozzles,or the like.

Treatment Station 140 is configured for treating a patient using theparticle beam generated by Particle Accelerator 110 and optionallymodified by one of First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and/or ThirdNozzle 130C. In some embodiments, Treatment Station 140 includes apatient support such as a platform, harness, chair, gurney, or the like.This patient support typically includes multiple degrees of freedom toposition the patient and may be robotic. In some embodiments, TreatmentStation 140 includes one or more openings (e.g., removable panels orpanels including holes) configured for the particle beam to pass throughfrom beneath the patient. Some embodiments include more than one ofTreatment Station 140. These Treatment Station 140 are optionallylocated in different rooms.

Transport System 150 is configured to move First Nozzle 130A, SecondNozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle 130C, typically under control of aprocessing unit. Transport System 150 can include, for example, aprocessing unit configured to receive information from an encoder,mechanical contact, or other position sensor, a data input configured toreceive instructions regarding where a particle beam nozzle should bemoved, and logic configured to control the movement of a particle beamnozzle from one particle beam path to another, or the like. As describedfurther herein, different particle beam paths may be associated with(e.g., directed toward) different treatment stations. Thus, TransportSystem 150 is optionally configured for moving First Nozzle 130A from aposition relative to a first Treatment Station 140 to a positionrelative to a second Treatment Station 140. These first and secondTreatment Station 140 can optionally be in different rooms.

Transport System 150 further includes mechanisms for moving a particlebeam nozzle. These mechanisms may include, for example, one or more of,a gantry, a system of one or more rails, a motor, a belt, a screw drive,a chain drive, a carriage, hydraulics, a conveyance such as a conveyoror carriage, and/or the like. For example, in some embodiments,Transport System 150 includes a gantry coupled to one or more of FirstNozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and Third Nozzle 130C, and configured tomove these particle beam nozzles to positions along First Beam Path120A, Second Beam Path 120B and/or Third Beam Path 120C. The motion ofthe gantry is optionally circular, in which case positions for theparticle beam nozzles along the various particle beam paths may bedistributed in a circular fashion around an intersection zone. In someembodiments, Transport System 150 further includes mechanisms for movinga particle beam nozzle in and out of the gantry. In other embodiments,Transport System 150 includes a rail system comprising one, two or morerails configured to support a carriage. The carriage includes a positionsensor configured to determine the position of a particle beam nozzleand optionally a positioner configured to make fine adjustments in theposition of the particle beam nozzle relative to a particle beam and/orTreatment Station 140.

In various embodiments, Transport System 150 is configured to move aparticle beam nozzle from along one particle beam path to along a secondparticle beam path, or from Nozzle Storage 160 to along a particle beampath in less than 15, 10, 5, 3, or 1 minutes, or less than 45, 30 or 15seconds. For example, in one specific example, Transport system 150 isconfigured to move First Nozzle 130A from along First Beam Path 120A toalong Second Beam Path 120B, or from Nozzle Storage 160 to along ThirdBeam Path 120C in less than 15, 10, 5, 3, or 1 minutes, or less than 45,30 or 15 seconds. Movements between or to other particle beam paths maybe accomplished in similar times. Some of these movement times arefacilitated by a processing unit included in Transport System 150 and,as such, they may be achieved through automatic movement underprocessing unit control. Some of these movement times are used to move aparticle beam nozzle to more than one particle beam path during a singletreatment session without significant downtime.

Transport System 150 optionally includes collision avoidance features.For example, in some embodiments Transport System 150 includes a sensorconfigured to halt movement of a particle beam nozzle when contact ismade between the particle beam nozzle and an unexpected object (e.g., apatient or another particle beam nozzle). This sensor may beelectrostatic, mechanical, electromagnetic, optical, or the like. Someor all of these collision avoidance features may be included in aparticle beam nozzle. In some embodiments these collision avoidancefeatures are configured to halt or otherwise change movement of theparticle beam nozzle prior to an undesirable contact.

In some embodiments, Transport System 150 includes a robot configured tomove First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle 130C tospecific positions relative to one or more particle beam path. Forexample, Transport System 150 may include a robotic manipulator armconfigured to move particle beam nozzles from one position to another.This robotic manipulator arm is optionally disposed on a movablesupport.

Optional Nozzle Storage 160 is configured to store First Nozzle 130A,Second Nozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle 130C when these particle beamnozzles are not disposed along a particle beam path. In someembodiments, Nozzle Storage 160 includes a controlled environmentincluding, for example, a positive pressure atmosphere, or the like.Nozzle Storage 160 optionally includes access for replacement ormaintenance of First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B and/or Third Nozzle130C. Nozzle Storage 160 is optionally configured to store particle beamnozzles configured for use at more than one of Treatment Station 140.

While FIG. 1 illustrates three particle beam paths and three particlebeam nozzles, alternative embodiments can include greater or fewernumbers of each of these features. For example, some embodiments includeonly one or two particle beam paths, while some embodiments include fouror more alternative particle beam paths. Some embodiments include asingle particle beam path configured to include several alternativeparticle beam nozzles and some embodiments include a single particlebeam nozzle configured to be included in different particle beam paths.

FIG. 2 illustrates a physical layout of Treatment System 100, accordingto various embodiments. This illustrated physical layout includes up tofive alternative particle beam paths including, for example, First BeamPath 120A, Second Beam Path 120B, Third Beam Path 120C, a Fourth BeamPath 120D and a Fifth Beam Path 120E. Each of these particle beam pathsoptionally include a particle beam nozzle such as First Nozzle 130A,Second Nozzle 130B, Third Nozzle 130C, a Fourth Nozzle 130D and/or aFifth Nozzle 130E. Fourth Beam Path 120D and Fifth Beam Path 120Einclude features and characteristics similar to those of First Beam Path120A. Likewise, Fourth Nozzle 130D and Fifth Nozzle 130E includefeatures and characteristics similar to those of First Nozzle 130A.Alternative embodiments include more than five alternative particle beampaths.

The particle beam paths illustrated in FIG. 2 are optionally eachconfigured to be coupled to the particle beam nozzles using an Interface210. In some embodiments, Interface 210 is configured for the attachmentof different particle beam nozzles. For example, in some embodiments,Interface 210 includes one or more guide pins configured for thealignment of a particle beam nozzle, such as First Nozzle 130A. In someembodiments, Interface 210 includes a mechanical, electronic or opticalencoder or other position sensor configured for determining the positionof a particle beam nozzle, such as First Nozzle 130A.

In some embodiments, Interface 210 includes a particle transparentvacuum interface configured for the maintenance of a pressuredifferential between part of a particle beam path closer to ParticleAccelerator 110 and part of the particle beam path closer to TreatmentStation 140. Such particle transparent vacuum interfaces are known inthe art. Interface 210 optionally includes a shutter configured to beclosed to protect the particle transparent vacuum interface when aparticle beam nozzle is not disposed in front of a particular Interface210 and to be opened when a particle beam nozzle is disposed in front ofthe Interface 210. In these embodiments, each particle transparentvacuum interface is typically protected by either a closed shutter or bya particle beam nozzle. The shutter is optionally automatically openedand closed by the movement of a particle beam nozzle or by TransportSystem 150.

The embodiments of Transport System 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 furtherinclude an optional Beam Conditioner 220 configured to modify thediameter and/or kinetic energy of the particle beam generated byParticle Accelerator 110. Beam Conditioner 220 may be disposed before orafter the particle beam paths separate. For example, Beam Conditioner220 may be disposed along all particle beam paths (as illustrated) ormay be disposed such that it is only along First Beam Path 120A and/orSecond Beam Path 120B. FIG. 2 illustrates one Trifurcation 230 and twoBifurcations 240 of particle beam paths. In alternative embodiments,different patterns of Trifurcations 230, Bifurcations 240 and/or greaterdivisions are used to generate 3, 4, 5 or more separate particle beampaths.

Three or more of First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B, Third BeamPath 120C, Fourth Beam Path 120D and Fifth Beam Path 120E are optionallycoplanar. For example, in some embodiments all five of these particlebeam paths lie in the same plane. In alternative embodiments, two, threeor four of these particle beam paths lie in the same plane. For thepurposes of this discussion, the plane in which a particle beam pathlies, angles between particle beam paths, or other aspects of particlebeam path orientation are defined by considering those parts of theparticle beam paths between Interface 210 and an Intersection Zone 250disposed at Treatment Station 140.

In some embodiments, two particle beam paths may be approximatelycollinear and arrive at Treatment Station 140 from opposite directions.Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, First Beam Path 120A and FifthBeam Path 120E are approximately collinear but arrive at IntersectionZone 250 from opposite directions.

In some embodiments, particle beam paths arrive at Intersection Zone 250at separations of substantially greater than or less than 90 degrees.For example, both Fourth Beam Path 120D and Fifth Beam Path 120E arriveat Intersection Zone 250 at an angle substantially greater than 90degrees from First Beam Path 120A, while First Beam Path 120A and SecondBeam Path 120B arrive at Intersection Zone 250 at an angle substantiallyless than 90 degrees. Substantially less than 90 degrees includes lessthan approximately 80 degrees in some embodiments, less than 70 degreesin further embodiments, and less than 60 degrees in still furtherembodiments. Substantially greater than 90 degrees includes more than100 degrees in some embodiments, more than 110 degrees in furtherembodiments, and more than 120 degrees in still further embodiments. Forexample, in various embodiments these particle beam paths arrive atangles of at least 100, 110, 120 or 135 degrees. In various embodiments,these particle beam paths arrive at angles of less than 35, 50, 60, 70or 80 degrees.

In some embodiments, pairs of particle beam paths arrive at IntersectionZone 250 with different angular separations. For example, First BeamPath 120A and Third Beam Path 120C arrive at Intersection Zone 250 withan angular separation of approximately 45 degrees, while Second BeamPath 120B and Fifth Beam Path 120E arrive at Intersection Zone 250 withan angular separation of approximately 135 degrees.

In some embodiments, three different particle beam paths arrive atIntersection Zone 250 spaced approximately 120 degrees from each other.In some embodiments, particle beam paths arrive at Intersection Zone 250from both below and above a patient. For example, First Beam Path 120Aarrives at Intersection Zone 250 from above while Fourth Beam path 120Dand Fifth Beam Path 120E arrive at Intersection Zone 250 from below.Part of Fifth Beam Path 120E is, thus, disposed beneath the patient. Insome embodiments, Treatment Station 140 includes openings to allowpassage of a particle beam from below Treatment Station 140.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative physical layout of Treatment System100 in a perspective view, according to various embodiments. In theseembodiments, three or more particle beam paths arrive at IntersectionZone 250 from along at least two different planes. Specifically, ThirdBeam Path 120C is not within a plane defined by First Beam Path 120A andSecond Beam Path 120B. In some embodiments, First Beam Path 120A, SecondBeam Path 120B and Third Beam Path 120C each arrive at Intersection Zone250 at approximately 90 degrees of each other, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative layout of Treatment System 100,according to various embodiments. These embodiments include a RailSystem 410 configured to position First Nozzle 130A, Second Nozzle 130B,Third Nozzle 130C, Fourth Nozzle 130D and/or Fifth Nozzle 130E relativeto First Beam Path 120A, Second Beam Path 120B, Third Beam Path 120C,Fourth Beam Path 120D and/or Fifth Beam Path 120E. Rail System 410 isoptionally further configured to move particle beam nozzles to and fromNozzle Storage 160. In various embodiments, Rail System 410 is includedin Transport System 150 and includes a conveyance, a track, a gantry, asystem of one or more rails, a motor, a belt, a screw drive, a chaindrive, a carriage, hydraulics, and/or the like

FIG. 5 illustrates a physical layout of Treatment System 100 includingmore than one Treatment Station 140, according to various embodiments ofthe invention. In these embodiments, different particle beam paths areoptionally associated with different treatment stations. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 5, First Beam Path 120A is configured for treating apatient at a first Treatment Station 140A, while Second Beam Path 120Band Third Beam Path 120C are configured for treating a patient at asecond Treatment Station 140B.

A Barrier 520, such as a radiation shield or wall, optionally separatesTreatment Station 140A and Treatment Station 140B. Thus, TreatmentStation 140A and Treatment Station 140B may be in different rooms. RailSystem 410 is optionally configured for moving particle beam nozzlesbetween particle beam paths associated with different treatment stationsand/or between different rooms. Each of these rooms optionally includeone, two, three or more particle beam paths. Rail System 410 optionallyincludes a Switch 530 configured for moving particle beam nozzles toalternative paths of Transport System 150.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a Particle Beam Nozzle 600, according tovarious embodiments. Particle Beam Nozzle 600 may be included inembodiments of particle beam nozzles, such as First Nozzle 130A, SecondNozzle 130B, Third Nozzle 130C, Fourth Nozzle 130D and/or Fifth Nozzle130E. Particle Beam Nozzle 600 includes one or more of a Mount 610, anoptional Conveyance 620, an optional Positioner 630, and an optionalCoupler 640. These features are used for moving, supporting andpositioning Particle Beam Nozzle 600 relative to a particle beam path orTreatment Station 140.

Mount 610 is a supporting structure of Particle Beam Nozzle 600 thatconnects Particle Beam Nozzle 600 to Transport System 150. For example,Mount 610 may include a flange, bolting hardware, guide pins, or thelike. In some embodiments, Mount 610 is connected directly to TransportSystem 150, and in other embodiments, Mount 610 is coupled to TransportSystem 150 via Conveyance 620.

Conveyance 620 is a vehicle, carriage, cart, trolley, movable platform,or the like, configured to move along Transport System 150. For example,in some embodiments, Conveyance 620 is a self-propelled rail carconfigured to be coupled to one or more rails of Transport System 150.Conveyance 620 can include a position sensor configured to determine itsposition along Transport System 150. In some embodiments, Conveyance 620is part of Transport System 150 rather than Particle Beam Nozzle 600.

Positioner 630 is configured for making fine adjustments in the positionof Particle Beam Nozzle 600 relative to a particle beam path orTreatment Station 140. In various embodiments, Positioner 630 isconfigured to position Particle Beam Nozzle 600 to an accuracy of 0.005,0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1.0 mm. Positioner 630 may include steppermotors, hydraulics, piezoelectric devices (PZTs) or the like. Forexample, in some embodiments, Positioner 630 is configured to moveParticle Beam Nozzle 600 using a combination of stepper motors andhydraulics. In some embodiments, Particle Beam Nozzle 600 is first movedalong a particle beam path using Conveyance 620 and then more preciselypositioned using Positioner 630.

Coupler 640 is configured to attach Particle Beam Nozzle 600 toInterface 210. For example, Coupler 640 may include locking mechanisms,clamps, guide pins, bolts, or the like. In some embodiments, Coupler 640is configured to assure that Particle Beam Nozzle 600 is preciselypositioned. Coupler 640 is optional, for example, in embodiments whereinParticle Beam Nozzle 600 does not make physical contact with Interface210 or parts of a particle beam path.

In some embodiments, Coupler 640 is configured to be moved relative toother parts of Particle Beam Nozzle 600. For example, in one embodiment,Coupler 640 is configured to move relative to Conveyance 620. As such,Conveyance 620 may be used to move Particle Beam Nozzle 600 close toInterface 210 and then while Conveyance 620 is held in a fixed position,Coupler 640 may be moved to attach to Interface 210. By moving Coupler640 independently from Conveyance 620, Coupler 640 has the freedom ofmovement to respond to guide pins or other alignment features whenattaching to Interface 210.

Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes an Environmental Control650 configured for controlling an environment within part of ParticleBeam Nozzle 600. Environmental Control 650 may be configured to maintainpart of Particle Beam Nozzle 600 at a reduced pressure, to maintain partof Particle Beam Nozzle 600 in a Helium atmosphere, or the like.Typically, Environmental Control 650 is moved between particle beampaths along with other parts of Particle Beam Nozzle 600.

Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes a Shutter Control 660configured to open and close a shutter included in Interface 210. Forexample, Shutter Control 660 may be configured to open a shutter whenParticle Beam Nozzle 600 is moved along a particle beam path and toclose the shutter when Particle Beam Nozzle 600 is moved out of theparticle beam path. Shutter Control 660 can be a mechanical, electricalor optical mechanism. For example, Shutter Control 660 may include aprotrusion configured to physically move the shutter when Coupler 640 isconnected to Interface 210. Shutter Control 660 may include anelectrical connection, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag orbar code detectable by Interface 210 and configured to cause Interface210 to move the shutter. Shutter Control 660 is optionally configured tobe responsive to an interlock discussed elsewhere herein.

Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes a Collimator 670.Collimator 670 may be a multi-leaf collimator, a micro multi-leafcollimator a fixed collimator, or the like. In some embodiments,Transport System 150 is configured to move Collimator 670 independentlyfrom other parts of Particle Beam Nozzle 600. Thus, Transport System 150is optionally configured to move Collimator 670 into and out of aparticle beam path separately from Particle Beam Nozzle 600. In someembodiments, Nozzle Storage 160 is configured for insertion ofCollimator 670 into a particle beam nozzle.

Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes a Beam Scanner 680configured to scan a particle beam in a zone close to Treatment Station140. Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes an Energy Modifier 690configured to vary the kinetic energy of a particle beam.

Energy Modifier 690 may be configured to vary the kinetic energy in aspatial and/or time dependent manner. For example, in some embodiments,Energy Modifier 690 includes a bolus configured for controlling theenergy of particles in a spatial manner. Collimator 670, Beam Scanner680 and/or Energy Modifier 690 are optionally movable independently ofother parts of Particle Beam Nozzle 600 using Transport System 150. Assuch, they may be automatically added to or removed from Particle BeamNozzle 600. In some embodiments, Nozzle Storage 160 includes featuresconfigured for performing this automatic addition or removal.

In some embodiments, Particle Beam Nozzle 600 includes an Interlock 695configured to ensure that the proper particle beam nozzle is disposedbetween Particle Accelerator 110 and Interaction Zone 250, and/orconfigured to ensure that the particle beam nozzle is properlypositioned relative to a particle beam path. Interlock 695 can bemechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, and/or the like. In someembodiments, Interlock 695 includes identifying features configured toidentify the particle beam nozzle. This identifying feature may includea bar code, radio frequency identifying tag, electronic circuit,electronic characteristic, magnetic characteristic, opticalcharacteristic, and/or the like. In some embodiments, all or part ofInterlock 695 is included in Transport System 150, Interface 210 and/orother parts of Treatment System 100. In some embodiments, Interlock 695is configured to assure that a correct component, such as Collimator670, Beam Scanner 680, and/or Energy Modifier 690, is within a particlebeam nozzle as required by a treatment plan for a specific patient.Interlock 695 optionally uses patient identity information for thispurpose. For example, Interlock 695 may be configured to receive datafrom a barcode or radio frequency identification tag worn by a patientor from a database system before applying a particle beam to thepatient. Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes a plurality ofinterlocks such as Interlock 695. For example, a first Interlock 695configured to assure that a shutter is closed before moving a particlebeam nozzle, a second Interlock 695 configured to assure that a correctparticle beam nozzle is placed along a particle beam path, and a thirdInterlock 695 configured to assure that the proper patient is positionedat Treatment Station 140.

Particle Beam Nozzle 600 optionally includes a Collision AvoidanceFeature 698 discussed elsewhere herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aplurality of alternative particle beam paths, according to variousembodiments. In this method, a beam of high-energy particles is directedthrough a plurality of alternative particle beam paths in order to treatone or more patients.

In a Generate Beam Step 710, a particle beam is generated using ParticleAccelerator 110. This particle beam may include protons at highenergies, e.g., greater than 20 MeV. Alternatively, this particle beammay include Helium, Carbon or other types of nuclei.

In a Direct Beam Step 720, the particle beam generated in Generate BeamStep 710 is directed along a first particle beam path, such as FirstBeam Path 120A. The first particle beam path typically includes electricor magnetic fields and/or other particle transport optics configured tosteer the particle beam toward Treatment Station 140. In a Treat PatientStep 730, the particle beam directed along the first particle beam pathis used to treat a patient at the treatment station.

In a Select Second Path Step 740, a second particle beam path isselected from among a plurality of alternative particle beam pathsdifferent from the first particle beam path. The plurality ofalternative particle beam paths may include, for example, SecondParticle Beam Path 120B, Third Particle Beam Path 120C, and/or otherparticle beam paths discussed herein. One of the alternative particlebeam paths is optionally significantly more that 90 degrees from thefirst particle beam path. For example, in one embodiment one of thealternative particle beam paths is 110 degrees or greater from the firstparticle beam path. One of the alternative particle beam paths isoptionally configured to arrive at the treatment station from below thepatient.

In a Direct Beam Step 750, the particle beam generated in Generate BeamStep 710 is directed through the particle beam path selected in SelectSecond Path Step 740. In a Treat Patient Step 760, the patient istreated using the particle beam directed through the selected particlebeam path. The patient is optionally moved between Treat Patient Step730 and Treat Patient Step 760. In some embodiments, different patientsare treated in Treat Patient Step 730 and Treat Patient Step 760

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aparticle beam nozzle configured to be moved between alternative particlebeam paths, according to various embodiments. In this method, a particlebeam nozzle is moved from one particle beam path to another particlebeam path for the treatment of a patient. In a Generate Beam Step 810, aparticle beam is generated. Generate Beam Step 810 is an embodiment ofGenerate Beam Step 710.

In a Direct Beam Step 820, the particle beam generated in Generated BeamStep 810 is directed through a first particle beam path such as FirstBeam Path 120A. In a Modify Beam Step 830, the particle beam directedthrough the first particle beam path in Direct Beam Step 820 is modifiedusing a particle beam nozzle, such as First Nozzle 130A. Thismodification can include changes in direction, kinetic energy,dispersion, beam diameter, or the like. For example, in one embodiment,the modification includes changing the direction of the particle beam inorder to scan the particle beam over a treatment zone. In a TreatPatient Step 840, the particle beam modified in Modify Beam Step 830 isused to treat a patient at a treatment station.

In a Select Second Beam Path Step 850, a second particle beam path isselected. This particle beam path may be directed at the same treatmentstation as the first particle beam path, or at a different treatmentstation. The second particle beam path may be, for example, Second BeamPath 120B or Third Beam Path 120C, or other particle beam pathsdiscussed herein.

In a Move Nozzle Step 860, the particle beam nozzle used to modify theparticle beam in Modify Beam Step 830 is moved to the second particlebeam path using Transport System 150. This movement is optionallyperformed using a processing unit. For example, a processing unit may beused to control the movement using the transport system and/or theprocessing unit may be used to position the particle beam nozzleprecisely relative to the second particle beam path. The particle beamnozzle is optionally moved from one room to another room. The particlebeam nozzle is optionally moved from above a patient below a patient.

In a repeat of Generate Beam Step 810, the particle beam is againgenerated. In some embodiments, a single particle beam is generatedcontinuously throughout the steps illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, therepeat of Generate Beam Step 810 may be a continuation of the firstGenerate Beam Step 810. In other embodiments, the generation of aparticle beam is halted during at least Move Nozzle Step 860, and thenthe particle beam is again generated in the repeat of Generate Beam Step810.

In a Direct Beam Step 870, the particle beam is directed through thesecond particle beam path. In a Modify Beam Step 880, the particle beamdirected through the second particle beam path is modified using theparticle beam nozzle. This modification is optionally the same as themodification of Modify Beam Step 830 and is made using the particle beamnozzle moved in Move Nozzle Step 860.

In a Treat Patient Step 890, a patient is treated using the particlebeam modified in Modify Beam Step 880. This patient may be the samepatient treated in Treat Patient Step 840 or a different patient. If thesame patient, then the patient is optionally moved between Treat PatientStep 840 and Treat Patient Step 890. In various embodiments, TreatPatient Step 840 and Treat patient Step 890 occur within 15, 10, 5 or 2minutes of each other.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operating a treatment system including aparticle beam path configured to receive a plurality of alternativeparticle beam nozzles. In this method, two different particle beamnozzles are used to modify a particle beam passed through a singleparticle beam path. In a Generate Beam Step 910, a first particle beamis generated. Generate Beam Step 910 is an embodiment of Generate BeamStep 710. In a Direct Beam Step 920, the first particle beam generatedin Generate Beam Step 910 is directed through a particle beam path, suchas First Beam Path 120A.

In a Modify Beam Step 930, the particle beam directed through a particlebeam path in Direct Beam Step 920 is modified using a first particlebeam nozzle, such as First Nozzle 130A. This modification may includechanges in direction, dispersion, kinetic energy, beam diameter, or thelike. For example, in one embodiment, the modification includes changingthe kinetic energy in order to control a depth of treatment. In a TreatPatient Step 940, a patient is treated using the particle beam modifiedin Modify Beam Step 930.

In an Exchange Nozzle Step 950, the first particle beam nozzle isexchanged for a second particle beam nozzle, such as Second Nozzle 130B,using Transport System 150. In some embodiments, this exchange is madewhile the patient is at Treatment Station 140. In various embodiments,this exchange is made in less than 15, 10, 5, or 2 minutes. The secondparticle beam nozzle is typically configured to modify the particle beamin a different manner or to a different degree than the first particlebeam nozzle. Exchange Nozzle Step 950 is optionally performed undercontrol of a processing unit. For example, in some embodiments, aprocessing unit is used to remove the first particle beam nozzle fromthe particle beam path and/or a processing unit is used to assure thatthe second particle beam nozzle is positioned correctly in the particlebeam path.

In a repetition of Generate Beam Step 910, a second particle beam isgenerated using Particle Accelerator 110. As with the repeat of GenerateBeam Step 810, the repetition of Generate Beam Step 910 may be aninterrupted or uninterrupted continuation of the first Generate BeamStep 910.

In a Direct Beam Step 960, the second particle beam is directed throughthe particle beam path. In a Modify Beam Step 970, the second particlebeam is modified using the second particle beam nozzle. Thismodification may include changes in direction, dispersion, kineticenergy, beam diameter, or the like.

In a Treat Patient Step 980, the particle beam modified in Modify BeamStep 970 is used to treat a patient. This patient may be the samepatient treated in Treat Patient Step 940 or a different patient. If thesame patient, the patient is optionally moved between Treat Patient Step940 and Treat Patient Step 980.

Several embodiments are specifically illustrated and/or describedherein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications andvariations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope ofthe appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scopethereof. For example, while processing unit control of Transport System150 is discussed herein, all or part of Transport System 150 may bemanual. Further, the labeling of particle beam paths and particle beamnozzles within the figures is for illustrative purposes only. Thus,attributes applied to one particle beam path or one particle beam nozzlemay be applied to other particle beam paths or other particle beamnozzles. For example, while First Beam Path 120A is shown as coming fromabove Treatment Station 140 and Beam Path 120E is shown as coming frombelow Treatment Station 140, these labels and/or positions may bereversed.

The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of the presentinvention. As these embodiments of the present invention are describedwith reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations ofthe methods and or specific structures described may become apparent tothose skilled in the art. All such modifications, adaptations, orvariations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, andthrough which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered tobe within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, thesedescriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense,as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited toonly the embodiments illustrated. In general, features or aspects shownor discussed in relation to one embodiment are not limited to thatembodiment and can be used in different embodiments, and each embodimentneed not contain each feature shown or described in relation to thatembodiment.

1. A system comprising: a treatment station for particle beam treatmentof a patient; a particle accelerator configured to generate a particlebeam; three or more particle beam paths through which the particle beamcan be delivered to the patient at the treatment station, the three ormore particle beam paths including at least two particle beam pathssignificantly greater than or less than 90 degrees apart; and atransport system configured to automatically move a particle beam nozzlefrom a nozzle storage to one of the three or more particle beam paths.2. The system of claim l, wherein the three or more particle beam pathsare configured such that a first angle exists between a first pair ofthe three of more particle beam paths and a second different angleexists between a second pair of the three or more particle beam paths.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the three or more particle beam pathsare configured such that a first angle exists between a first pair ofthe three or more particle beam paths and a second different angleexists between a second pair of the three or more particle beam paths.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transport system is furtherconfigured to automatically move the particle beam nozzle from one ofthe three or more particle beam paths to an other of the three or moreparticle beam paths.
 5. The system of claim 1, further including aparticle transparent vacuum seal along at least one of the three or moreparticle beam paths, and a shutter disposed to protect the particletransparent vacuum seal when a particle beam nozzle is absent from theat least one of the three or more particle beam paths.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, further including a processing unit configured to replace afirst particle beam nozzle located along one of the three or moreparticle beam paths with a second particle beam nozzle.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the three or more particle beam pathsis configured to deliver the particle beam to the patient fromunderneath the patient.
 8. A system comprising: a treatment station forparticle beam treatment of a patient; a particle accelerator configuredto generate a particle beam for treatment of the patient; and three ormore particle beam paths through which the particle beam can bedelivered to the patient at the treatment station, the three or moreparticle beam paths configured such that a first particle beam path islocated outside of a plane including a second particle beam path and athird particle beam path.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the three ormore particle beam paths include two particle beam paths that areoriented significantly greater than 90 degrees apart.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, further including a transport system configured toautomatically move a particle beam nozzle between a first of the threeor more particle beam paths and a second of the three or more particlebeam paths.
 11. The system of claim 8, further including a particletransparent vacuum seal along at least one of the three or more particlebeam paths, and a shutter disposed to protect the particle transparentvacuum seal when a particle beam nozzle is absent from the at least oneof the three or more particle beam paths.
 12. The system of claim 8,further including a processing unit configured to replace a firstparticle beam nozzle located along one of the three or more particlebeam paths with a second particle beam nozzle.
 13. The system of claim8, wherein the treatment station includes an opening configured toreceive the particle beam from underneath the patient.
 14. A method oftreating a patient, the method comprising: generating a particle beam ofhigh-energy particles; directing the particle beam of high-energyparticles along a first beam path; treating the patient using theparticle beam of high-energy particles directed along the first particlebeam path; selecting a second particle beam path from among a pluralityof alternative particle beam paths different from the first particlebeam path, the first particle beam path lying outside of a plane definedby two of the plurality of alternative particle beam paths; anddirecting the particle beam of high-energy particles along the secondparticle beam path.
 15. The method of claim 14, further includingselecting a third particle beam path, directing the particle beam ofhigh energy particles along the third particle beam path, and treatingthe patient using the particle beam of high energy particles directedalong the third particle beam path.
 16. The method of claim 14, whereinat least one of the plurality of alternative particle beam paths isdisposed beneath the patient.
 17. The method of claim 14, furtherincluding moving a particle beam nozzle from the first particle beampath to the second particle beam path under control of a processingunit.
 18. The method of claim 14, further including moving the patientbetween the steps of directing the particle beam of high-energyparticles along a first particle beam path and directing the particlebeam of high-energy particles along the second particle beam path. 19.The method of claim 14, wherein the second particle beam path isapproximately co-linear with the first particle beam path at a treatmentstation, and the second particle beam path is configured to direct theparticle beam of high energy particles in a different direction than thefirst particle beam path.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the firstparticle beam path and the second particle beam path have approximatelyequal path lengths.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the particlebeam of high-energy particles includes protons.
 22. The method of claim14, wherein the first particle beam path and at least two of theplurality of alternative particle beam paths are each approximately 90degrees from each other.